Chapter 39

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Lila

A rich, savory aroma wafts through the air and captures my senses as I step inside the apartment with Jake beside me. Drake emerges from the kitchen, a warm, genuine smile lighting up his face. His dark, almost black hair is a sexy, careless mess, and his deep-set chocolate-brown eyes lock onto mine. My heart skips a beat, but I quickly remind myself to keep my emotions in check.

"Gun Man!" Jake squeals, running into his arms. Drake catches him with a chuckle, effortlessly lifting him in a playful hug. Drake's eyes close, and the emotion flickering across his face weakens my resolve. I bite my lower lip, trying to ignore the pang of longing that tugs at my heart.

"Hey there, little man," Drake ruffles Jake's dark hair, "Mama Lila says you've been an awesome swimmer today."

Jake rears back and gives him a dry look. "I told you I'm not a little man."

"Yeah?" He sits him back down on the floor and pretends to study him. "I think you have grown since I was gone."

Jake bends his arm to show off his muscles. "See. I have big muscles, like you. You were gone forever."

I suppress a laugh and look at the kitchen table. It has an ivory tablecloth with pillar candles and a spray of flowers as the centerpiece. My mouth slackens. "What's going on?"

"Congratulations on owning the pet salon. I know how much this means to you." His commanding voice sends shivers down my spine.

"Thank you."

"Have a seat. Supper is about ready." Drake turns to my son and smiles. "How was swimming?"

Jake's cheeks flush with pride as he excitedly recounts his swimming adventures, his little hands waving to emphasize his point. His excitement is contagious, and even I smile at his infectious enthusiasm.

Drake listens intently, nodding and asking Jake questions about his friend's pool. His eyes flicker towards me, catching my gaze. In that fleeting moment, all I can think about is being alone with that man.

What is wrong with me?

I'm supposed to stand firm and insist on conversation, not thinking about how his skin would feel against mine, the heat of his touch setting my skin on fire. I want to reach out and tangle my fingers in that mess of black hair, pull him closer until our breaths mingle, and…

I shake my head quickly, forcing my thoughts away as I sit at the table. The way he looks at me, though, is like he can read my mind and see all those forbidden desires dancing through my thoughts.

I'm totally screwed.

My cheeks heat. I hadn't reminded him that today was the signing. Is it bad that I love that he remembered? "That sounds nice."

Turning his attention to Jake, he asks, "So you had fun swimming, then?"

"Yes! The water was so cold. But I kicked my legs hard like you showed me." Jake puffs his chest out in pride.

"Sounds like you're becoming quite the swimmer, then."

"I am."

My eyes soften as I watch them interact. For a moment, it feels like we're a family. The thought is as terrifying as it is appealing.

The food is delicious, but the air between us is laced with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

After dinner, Jake yawns and declares he's not sleepy.

"Yeah, I think all those laps got to you."

"No, they didn't."

"Let's pretend they did and get your bath," I say at his protest.

He lets out a frustrated sigh and marches to the bathroom. It isn't long before I head back into the living room and find Drake putting away the last dishes.

"I could've gotten those."

"Nonsense. This is your day." He shakes his head, a playful smile gracing his lips. "You've worked hard for this achievement, Lila. Let me take care of things tonight."

There's a softness in his eyes I haven't seen before, and it makes my heart ache. I swallow hard and nod, turning my gaze away from him. I don't know if I'm ready to face what's behind that look. Not yet.

"I … thank you, Drake," I say. My voice sounds foreign, choked with countless unsaid words.

A silence descends between us, thick and heavy. But the silence is comfortable in its own weird way. It's not awkward or uneasy. It's more like the calm before a storm, expectant and full of anticipation.

Drake walks over to the couch and sits down, looking thoughtful. He pats the spot next to him in a silent invitation for me to join him.

I hesitate for a moment before sinking into the soft cushions next to him. He turns to look at me, his deep-set chocolate-brown eyes searching mine.

"We should talk about us," he starts off gently but firmly. "I'm sorry?—"

"Stop," I interrupt. "Drake, I know you're sorry. And I meant what I said on the phone. I forgive you. I don't know what I was madder about—you withholding information or my best friend betraying me." My voice breaks as a sob breaks free. "I don't want to be mad at my best friend. She's not even here for me to yell at."

He grabs me in his arms and holds me against his chest. Resting his chin on my head, he says, "If I had done nothing that night, I wouldn't be hurting you."

"The betrayal would still be there on her part," I murmur, my words muffled against the fabric of his shirt. "But … I also wouldn't be hurting over you."

For a moment, neither of us speaks. I can feel his heart thudding in his chest, matching mine beat for beat. We're both guilty, both hurting and healing in our own ways. But beneath it all, an undeniable bond tugs us together, no matter how hard we try to push it away.

"I'm here now, Lila," he murmurs into my hair. "I want to fix things. For us, for Jake."

"My Wild Child." This man, who caused chaos in school and was deemed selfish and self-centered by everyone, has never shown me that side, even now.

I pull back and look up at him. "Where do you see this going?"

"Lila, you've always been my someone to go the distance with. That will never change, no matter where I end up."

And that crumbled the last piece of resolve holding me back. I crash my lips into his, and he responds instantly, his hands moving up my back and tangling into my short, blonde hair. There's a desperation to his kiss, a longing that mirrors my own. His lips move over mine, coaxing me open and deepening the kiss.

The world disappears, leaving only the two of us lost in this moment of intimacy. But it's not just a physical connection; it's emotional. It's the lingering feelings from our shared past, the unspoken regret for the time lost, and a silent promise for a better future.

Suddenly, I pull back, gasping for air. My heart pounds against my chest as I take in his tousled hair and flushed cheeks. He's always been handsome, but he's breathtakingly beautiful right now.

"Drake," I whisper, my voice barely audible as I trace the tattoo on his arm absentmindedly. "I want you."

His eyes darken, and a guttural need flashes through them. He lifts me off the couch and puts me in his arms. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he carries me to the bedroom.